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Endometrial Cancer

For uterine cancer, surgery (hysterectomy), radiotherapy, hormonal and systemic therapies are coordinated as a personalized plan across our accredited network.

What is endometrial (uterine) cancer?

Uterine cancer most often forms from the uncontrolled growth of cells in the endometrium, the inner lining of the uterus (endometrial cancer).

It is one of the most common gynecological cancers. Thanks to its main warning sign — abnormal bleeding — it is often caught early with a high treatment success.

What are the types of uterine cancer?

Main types:

Endometrioid adenocarcinoma

The most common, usually hormone-related and favorable type.

Serous / clear cell

Less common, potentially more aggressive types.

Uterine sarcoma

Rare tumors arising from the uterine muscle.

Causes and risk factors

Excess estrogen effect is the core risk:

  • Obesity
  • Unopposed estrogen effect and hormone therapy
  • Early menstruation, late menopause
  • Never having given birth
  • Diabetes and high blood pressure
  • Lynch syndrome and family history

What are the symptoms of uterine cancer?

The most important sign is abnormal bleeding:

  • Any bleeding after menopause
  • Bleeding between periods or irregular bleeding
  • Unusual, bloody vaginal discharge
  • Pelvic pain or pressure
  • Weight loss in advanced disease

What are the stages of uterine cancer?

Staging is based on spread:

Stage 1

The cancer is confined to the uterus. The most common and best-prognosis stage.

Stage 2

The cancer has spread to the cervix.

Stage 3

The cancer has spread outside the uterus, to the pelvis, or to lymph nodes.

Stage 4

The cancer has spread to the bladder, bowel, or distant organs.

How is uterine cancer diagnosed?

Endometrial sampling is the foundation of diagnosis:

  • Endometrial biopsy
  • Transvaginal ultrasound
  • Hysteroscopy and curettage (D&C)
  • Pathological and molecular examination

Imaging methods in uterine cancer

For staging and assessing spread:

  • Transvaginal ultrasound
  • Pelvic MRI
  • Abdomen-chest CT
  • PET-CT (in selected cases)

Uterine cancer treatment methods

The foundation of treatment is surgery:

Hysterectomy

Removing the uterus and ovaries via laparoscopic/robotic techniques.

Lymph node assessment

Determining spread with sentinel lymph node biopsy.

Radiotherapy

Radiation after surgery to reduce the risk of recurrence.

Hormone therapy

Drug therapy in hormone-sensitive tumors.

Chemotherapy / immunotherapy

Systemic therapies in advanced or aggressive tumors.

Every patient and every tumor is different

No single treatment is right for everyone; the best plan depends on your exact diagnosis, stage, and tumor characteristics. At National Cancer Alliance, we arrange a free second opinion from board-certified oncologists to review your case.

Prognosis and survival rates

Thanks to the early bleeding sign, uterine cancer is usually caught early and is one of the best-prognosis gynecological cancers. In early disease confined to the uterus, 5-year survival is about 95%.

Survival falls in advanced disease and aggressive subtypes. The tumor's molecular subtype increasingly guides treatment choice and prognosis.

How to reduce uterine cancer risk

Measures that help lower risk:

  • Maintaining a healthy weight
  • Keeping diabetes and blood pressure under control
  • Reporting any post-menopausal bleeding without delay
  • Regular gynecological follow-up in Lynch syndrome

Frequently asked questions

Is post-menopausal bleeding always cancer?

No, but any post-menopausal bleeding must be investigated; it is the most important warning for early diagnosis.

Will removing the uterus cause hormone problems?

If the ovaries are also removed, menopausal symptoms can occur; your physician plans the necessary support.

Does every patient need chemotherapy?

No. In early-stage, favorable tumors surgery is usually enough; the need depends on stage and subtype.

Should I get a second opinion?

Radiotherapy and systemic treatment decisions vary by subtype; an independent review is helpful.

Ready for a plan built around you?

Start with a free, no-obligation second opinion from a board-certified oncologist. Have your case reviewed and every option explained clearly.

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This page provides general information about endometrial (uterine) cancer; it is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All treatments are provided by independent, accredited hospitals and licensed physicians. Your treatment decision should be made by a qualified physician based on your individual situation.